A YouTube channel operator is facing prison for defaming celebrities, earning significant revenue from harmful content. Verdict pending.
October/17/2025 19:31
The operator A of the YouTube channel "Taldok (De-otaku) Detention Center," which produced videos defaming famous celebrities like IVE's Wonyoung, has been tried on suspicion of earning about 250 million won (approximately 26.4 million yen) in revenue. The prosecution requested a prison sentence in the appeal trial as well. Yesterday (16th), during the initial trial and conclusion trial held at the Incheon District Court Criminal Appeal Division 1-3 (Chief Judge: Chang Min-seok), the prosecution stated regarding the charges of violating laws on promoting information and communication networks and information protection (defamation), "There are many victims, and there are no permitted facts," and requested a four-year sentence, similar to the first trial. They pointed out that the crime is serious as the operator ran a paid program and earned over 200 million won (approximately 21.12 million yen). Previously, in the first trial, A was sentenced to two years in prison with a three-year probation, ordered to perform 120 hours of community service, and was required to pay back about 200 million won. A's defense attorney argued in the final statement that "the defendant has received criticism from the media and the public due to his actions and has deeply understood the pain felt by the victims and the seriousness of the incident," and claimed that considering the victims do not wish for a settlement and that A had made a deposit before the first trial sentence and deleted his YouTube channel, the sentence in the original trial is not light. In his final statement, A said, "I thought that producing videos based on posts and comments published on the internet fulfilled people's right to know," and added, "I now clearly recognize how big of a mistake that was." He also stated, "After the incident, I have been living with my identity known and being stigmatized, enduring daily while receiving psychiatric treatment," and pleaded, "I deeply reflect on my mistakes and ask for one last chance to live as a proper member of society." A is suspected of operating the YouTube channel "Taldok Detention Center" from October 2021 to June 2023, posting false videos about seven celebrities, including Wonyoung, 23 times. Investigations revealed that among these, 19 videos included insulting content pointing out the appearance of five individuals. The channel, which introduced a paid membership system, reportedly earned a total of 250 million won over about two years. The verdict hearing for the appeal trial will be held on the 11th of next month.
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